On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Scratch is a Web 2.0 tool launched in July 2009 that students can use to program their own interactive stories, games and animations. It also allows them to share their creations with others from all over the world. It also can be used without the internet by downloading the Scratch 1.4 or 2.0 offline editor. Since the platform is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, not only is the content enriching, but the online community is monitored using the CleanSpeak profanity filter. The best feature about Scratch is that it is free to use anywhere without a license. It relies on grants and donations to provide the maintenance and further development of the site. This also allows it to remain ad free.
Scratch was designed for 8-16 year olds, but all ages are using it. Scratch teaches students the basics of programming by having them think through the logical thought process that is needed to animate their character, called a sprite. Without needing prior knowledge of any type of code or programming language, students are able to “write” a program that controls what their sprite does. Students connect premade blocks of code to control their sprite. This is a great way to introduce programming concepts to students at a young age and is a great way to develop analytical skills.
Educational Uses of Site
There are many resources available for teachers on ways to incorporate Scratch into the curriculum. One way to use Scratch in the classroom is by having them look at other students’ projects. Students can then use their project and modify it called remixing. This teaches two things; you do not always have to write a program from scratch (no pun intended), but rather take a preexisting one and make it your own. This brings me to the next point when doing this; students learn that they must give credit to the original project creator(s). Learning to give credit where credit is due at an early age will help students understand why it is important to do so and make it easier for them to understand why it needs to be done on future assignments such as presentations and reports, especially if it is their project being remixed.
Using Scratch can also encourage collaborating on a project which builds team skills. This is a necessary skill needed in many areas of business where it’s not just one person working alone, but rather as a group or team effort. Learning that skill early on will help to give any student an advantage when it comes to job skills.
Review of Site
I think Scratch is a wonderful way to introduce students to the concept of programming and coding. Because it is supported by MIT, it is a credible addition to the classroom and something that is truly educational in nature. Various tutorials are available to help guide student through the steps of the programming process. For educators, there are resources available as well as a curriculum guide.
I included a very informative article I found and attached the link for anyone that may be interested in Scratch.
Unit 6.2A Assignment
On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Student Name:
Gina WalkerTitle of Site:
ScratchURL:
http://scratch.mit.edu/Description of Site:
Scratch is a Web 2.0 tool launched in July 2009 that students can use to program their own interactive stories, games and animations. It also allows them to share their creations with others from all over the world. It also can be used without the internet by downloading the Scratch 1.4 or 2.0 offline editor. Since the platform is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, not only is the content enriching, but the online community is monitored using the CleanSpeak profanity filter. The best feature about Scratch is that it is free to use anywhere without a license. It relies on grants and donations to provide the maintenance and further development of the site. This also allows it to remain ad free.Scratch was designed for 8-16 year olds, but all ages are using it. Scratch teaches students the basics of programming by having them think through the logical thought process that is needed to animate their character, called a sprite. Without needing prior knowledge of any type of code or programming language, students are able to “write” a program that controls what their sprite does. Students connect premade blocks of code to control their sprite. This is a great way to introduce programming concepts to students at a young age and is a great way to develop analytical skills.
Educational Uses of Site
There are many resources available for teachers on ways to incorporate Scratch into the curriculum. One way to use Scratch in the classroom is by having them look at other students’ projects. Students can then use their project and modify it called remixing. This teaches two things; you do not always have to write a program from scratch (no pun intended), but rather take a preexisting one and make it your own. This brings me to the next point when doing this; students learn that they must give credit to the original project creator(s). Learning to give credit where credit is due at an early age will help students understand why it is important to do so and make it easier for them to understand why it needs to be done on future assignments such as presentations and reports, especially if it is their project being remixed.Using Scratch can also encourage collaborating on a project which builds team skills. This is a necessary skill needed in many areas of business where it’s not just one person working alone, but rather as a group or team effort. Learning that skill early on will help to give any student an advantage when it comes to job skills.
Review of Site
I think Scratch is a wonderful way to introduce students to the concept of programming and coding. Because it is supported by MIT, it is a credible addition to the classroom and something that is truly educational in nature. Various tutorials are available to help guide student through the steps of the programming process. For educators, there are resources available as well as a curriculum guide.
I included a very informative article I found and attached the link for anyone that may be interested in Scratch.
http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/tech_directions_article_-_january_2015.pdf